The original item was published from 8/21/2019 10:27:00 AM to 8/22/2019 12:00:00 AM.

News Flash

Public Health

Posted on: May 22, 2015

[ARCHIVED] Linn County Public Health Joins World No Tobacco Day Recognition

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Linn County Public Health joins the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in recognizing World No Tobacco Day. As part of the event, which is held every May 31, Quitline Iowa is offering eight weeks of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges to eligible participants enrolling in the no-cost program. In the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan area, which includes Linn, Jones, and Benton Counties, nearly 1 in 5 adults are current smokers. Of those smokers, 72% smoke every day. Globally, 6 million people die each year due to tobacco-related causes, and 600,000 of those are people who die from second-hand smoke. As part of Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative, which inspires Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness, Quitline Iowa is available to help all Iowans quit. Quitline Iowa pairs tobacco users with a Quit Coach® to help them develop a quitting plan and determine if patches, nicotine gum or lozenges, or another medication would help them quit for good. A Quit Coach® also helps those enrolling in the program by: •Preparing participants for their quit date •Helping develop an individualized Quitting Plan •Providing tips and support to live in a smoke-free environment •Offering advice and information on medications that may help with withdrawal symptoms Iowans can take advantage of the program by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visiting www.quitlineiowa.org to enroll. Registration specialists and Quit Coach® staff members are available 24 hours a day. To learn more about Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com. ###